2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Portage, MI vs West Lafayette, IN

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Highlights
Are people in West Lafayette older or younger than people in Portage?
- The Median Age in West Lafayette is 15.5 years younger than in Portage.

Are housing costs cheaper in West Lafayette or Portage?
- West Lafayette housing costs are 21.4% more expensive than Portage housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, West Lafayette or Portage?
- The average commute for residents of West Lafayette is 3.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Portage.

Things to do in Portage?
Portage, MI is a peaceful community located in Kalamazoo County near Lake Michigan. Home to numerous parks and recreational areas including Celery Flats Historical Area and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, Portage provides its residents with plenty of outdoor resources perfect for activities like disc golfing at Milham Park Golf Course or fishing on Pigeon River Country State Game Area. In addition, there are many restaurants, unique shops and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for rural serenity or just want easy access to nearby cities — Portage has something for everyone!

Things to do in West Lafayette?
West Lafayette, IN is a vibrant city located in Tippecanoe County in north-central Indiana. Home to Purdue University, the community of West Lafayette offers its residents access to world-class education facilities and a thriving economy. The area features several parks and recreational areas perfect for outdoor activities such as biking along the Wabash River or playing baseball at Howard Park. Residents also appreciate being surrounded by a variety of restaurants, unique shops, art galleries and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to explore nature’s beauty or just want to experience a lively college town atmosphere, West Lafayette is sure to please!

 Portage, MIWest Lafayette, INUnited States
 Population  Unlock44,515329,725,481
 Median Income$68,755  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock21.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$252,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Portage    3 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

I'm just writing because I think that the people who are in my opinion bashing Kalamazoo, really don't know anything about it. I have vacationed in much larger cities,  More

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Before I moved to Portage in 2007, I didn't have any real breathing problems. I had a minor case of hay fever. I moved here and I am stuck inside most of the summer  More

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Over 21 years ago

Portage is a nice palce to live and raise a family. I don't think it would be a good place for a single  More

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Reviews for West Lafayette    11 Reviews

I am originally from Greencastle, Indiana, a nice friendly rural town and home to DePauw University. Presently, I live in West Lafayette, Indiana, due to my having been  More

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Over 12 years ago

It's a nice small town. It's too bad it's not closer to Indy. I think I would like it here  More

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Over 15 years ago

They have good schools, parks and always have events to  More

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